Pope Francis has issued an urgent appeal to stop the war in the Gaza Strip, calling for humanitarian aid and assistance to the injured in order to alleviate the "very serious" situation.
Pope Francesco told a crowd in St. Peter's Square after the Angelus: "I continue to reflect on the grave situation in Palestine and Israel, where so many people have lost their lives. I appeal to you in the name of God to stop and declare a ceasefire."
"I hope that all measures will be taken in order to avoid an escalation of the conflict, that the wounded will be helped, and that aid will reach the people of Gaza, where the humanitarian situation is very serious," he said.
Pope Francis renewed his calls for a ceasefire and the release of those held by the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) following the Al-Aqsa flood operation on October 7, with a focus on children who he said "must return to their parents."
"Let's think of the children, all the children involved in this war, in Ukraine and other conflicts: this way their future is killed."
Humanitarian corridors
Pope Francesco called for the opening of humanitarian corridors and said a two-state solution was necessary to end the war between Israel and Hamas.
The pope has repeatedly called for an end to the fighting, the release of detainees and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The Israeli army is waging a devastating war on Gaza for the 30th day, after Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.
About 9770,4800 Palestinians were killed, including 2550,24 children and 151,2080 women, and more than <>,<> others were injured, and <> Palestinians were killed in the West Bank and <>,<> were arrested, according to official Palestinian sources.